Beware Of Chicken

There was a severe lack of truly fascinating formations to gently poke at—There was hers, the barrier, but she knew that one well, and there was one she had found underground. The Dragon Veins here were a lot closer to the surface, spreading through the earth in a latticework—one that felt a bit damaged and drained, butnsidering the attack that had taken place, that was to be expected somewhat.

Its use was opaque to her, however, and the formation was hidden enough that Yukong didn’t risk taking a good look at it, because delving that deep would just be plain rude when the young man had brought her husband such joy.

The young man had thus far been a pleasant enough host, polite, and clearly proud of his home and family.

Most of the servants and Spirit Beasts had retired, leaving only Bi De, the girl who had introduced herself as Rou Tigu, a pink-haired servant, and a boar. The Spirit Beast was clearlympletely and utterly docile, his eyes betraying an inner peace that was admirable. He stayed beside the pink-haired servant and attended to her.

“I must apologise on behalf of my husband,” Hong Meiling said—though she clearly didn’t mean the traditional phrase. Indeed, Yukong got the sense Meiling did not particularly like the Cloudy Sword Sect. For what reason… Yukong had a bit of an idea. Instead she was looking at her husband with her own small smile. Yukong definitely knew that feeling. Ge, Ran, and Shen Yu had always found her husband’s allnsuming passion trying at times, but she liked it—mostly because she got exactly the same way about formations. “May I instead offer the honoured guests some refreshments?”

They accepted, finally sitting at the table. How one showed hospitality often revealed interesting things about them. The table they were offered was large and round, perfect for seating many in a circle. That indicated a certain amount of equality—as did the bowls and cushions sized for Spirit Beasts.

Informal and family-oriented. And judging by the way they interacted, the Spirit Beasts were likely not meant to be harvested if they were afforded such things. Instead, they were valued members of the family—a rather rare thing.

“Don’t be so formal, granddaughter,” Shen Yu mock lded. “They’re your grandfather’s old friends, so Aunt and Uncle should suffice.”

Yukong and Ge both snorted at the sheer level of informality Shen Yu was initiating for them… as well as the skeptical, raised eyebrow of Hong Meiling. She turned to Minyan.

“My Lady, how should this one address you?” she asked politely.

“Hm. You’re clearly the smartest one here. Lady Minyan is acceptable,” the Fan said, her voice haughty andld.

Meiling inclined her head. “I’m afraid most of our refreshments are mortal fare—but our honey and ginger tea I’mnfident in. Our Vajra produces only the best.”

At that, the bees flitting around the greenhouse paused. The insects had Qi in them, but in very small amounts, so it was a surprise when the small swarm suddenly pulled together, forming a stylized lady who performed a perfecturtly curtsey in mid-air before returning to their duties.

“A hive of Spirit Beasts?” Ge asked. “Shen Yu, your grandson’s homentains surprise after surprise!”

“Itʼs quite the place, no? I’m impressed at what he built so quickly! Him and his pretty wife. Sheʼs actually a year younger than he is!” Shen Yu boasted while Meiling poured them all the honey ginger tea that the pink-haired servant had set on the table, giving them face by pouring it herself.

Minyan raised a brow. “Truly?” she asked, her eyes again on Meiling. She took a sip of her tea behind her veil as she studied the woman, clearly more out of politeness than any desire… and then paused, honest surprise filling her eyes. She took another sip and set the cup down. “Hong Meiling, you wererrect. This is acceptable tea.”

“Itʼs all Pi Pa’s skill,” the young woman said, and the pink-haired lady bowed.

With that high praise, Yukong picked up her own cup. The smell was warm and inviting—and the drink itself doubly so. It had bite—bite even Yukonguld feel, the peppery ginger warming her mouth, only to be soothed immediately by the heady, rich, slightly musky taste of the honey. Yukong’s husband often made her honey ginger tea. His Spirit-Rejuvenating Ginger, grown specifically for her, did have a flavour more pleasing to her palate, but the honey here was something on a level she had not tasted—even from the hives of Spirit Beast bees Shou bought at auction.

…indeed, this was delicious tea.